Just Who is Generation Z?
The New York Times recently depicted the differences between Millennials and Generation Z. Just who or what is Generation Z, you ask? Generation Z, as they have been labeled, consist of those born in 1995 or later. This latest generation makes up 25.9% of the United States population, the largest percentage, and contribute $44 billion to the American economy. By 2020, they will account for one-third of the U.S. population.
With the oldest members of this group hardly out of high school, these tweens and teens of today are primed to be the foremost youth influencers of tomorrow. This is the first generation to have no memory of life before cell phones and the internet. It’s been said that Generation Z claims to have a 'digital bond to the Internet’. It’s often argued that this may enable youth to escape from emotional and mental struggles they face offline.
“We are the first true digital natives,” said Hannah Payne, an 18-year-old U.C.L.A. student and lifestyle blogger. “I can almost simultaneously create a document, edit it, post a photo on Instagram and talk on the phone, all from the user-friendly interface of my iPhone.”
“Generation Z takes in information instantaneously,” she said, “and loses interest just as fast.”
41% spend more than three hours per day using computers for purposes other than schoolwork, compared to 22% in 2004.
Over 80% of teens use a cell phone regularly, thus making it the most common medium for cyber-bullying.
Girls are two times more likely than boys to be victims and perpetrators of cyber-bullying.
The advancement between these generations goes well beyond technology and social apps. There have been incredible sociological and demographic shifts that are visible at the cultural level as well. Outlooks on social concerns have loosened, in some cases exponentially. Same-sex marriage, for example has gone from a controversial political issue to a constitutional right recognized by the Supreme Court. For today’s 14 year olds, the nation’s first African-American president is less a momentous breakthrough but a simple fact of life.
With the invention of the internet millennials were thought to be the global generation, but as more of the world continues to come online — Generation Z is becoming more global in their thinking, interactions, and relatability. Not only that, they are revolutionizing our educational system in many parts. Due to a rise in the popularity of entrepreneurship, high schools and colleges across the globe are now involving entrepreneurship in their curriculums.
It’s our job to embrace, empower, and invest in this new Generation. Look around, they are our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Let's surround them with a community of faith and teach them about God who loves and cares for them. This is a passionate generation. Let’s give them the tools they need for success.
JH
